LMCU Ballpark
High-A Central ) (1994–present) |
LMCU Ballpark is a ballpark located in Comstock Park, Michigan, just north of Grand Rapids. Established as Old Kent Park in 1994, the stadium hosts a minor league baseball team, the West Michigan Whitecaps, and other sporting events. The ballpark's Fifth Third Burger was featured on an episode of Man v. Food. A fire damaged some of the first base side of the stadium on January 3, 2014, but the stadium re-opened in time to host the Whitecaps for the 2014 season.
The stadium
LMCU Ballpark is home to the
LMCU Ballpark opened with a seating capacity of 5,701 has been expanded in 1996 to seat 10,700, and 1999 to seat 11,000. It currently has a seating capacity of 8,942, including 7,642 fixed chairback seats.[9][8] The stadium was built entirely with private funds. No taxpayer dollars were used in the construction.[8]
In addition to baseball, LMCU Ballpark can also be used for other events including motorsports and
The ballpark is also notable for its Fifth Third Burger, a five-pound (2.3 kg), 4,800-calorie burger made with five 1⁄3-pound (0.15 kg) burger patties and topped with American cheese,
On September 29, 2007, Grand Valley State University defeated Wayne State University, 41–10, in the first-ever football game to be played at LMCU Ballpark. Grand Valley wore "Throwback" uniforms for the event.[12]
On January 3, 2014, a fire broke out in one of the skyboxes, destroying much of the first base side of the structure and several skyboxes. The fire was caused by a space heater set next to a Rubbermaid trash can. Employees at the park at the time were able to escape without injury.[13] The stadium reopened in time for Opening Day, and remodeling finished in time for the ballpark to host the 2014 Midwest League All-Star Game.[14]
On October 8, 2016, LMCU Ballpark hosted an international
In popular culture
B-Roll footage of a game between the West Michigan Whitecaps and
References
- ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ Wallner, Peter J. (January 4, 2014). "Fifth Third Ballpark Timeline: Key Dates, Events and Facts in Stadium's History Before Massive Fire". The Grand Rapids Press. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
- ^ "Donald E Nolte II, PE Professional Resume" (PDF). Next Engineering and Design. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 27, 2013. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
- ^ "Fifth Third Ballpark". Wolverine Building Group. Retrieved October 5, 2011.
- ^ "2018 Midwest League Media Guide". Midwest League. 2018. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
- ^ "2016 Seating Improvements at Fifth Third Ballpark" (Press release). Minor League Baseball. March 30, 2017. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
- ^ "By the Numbers". West Michigan Whitecaps. February 11, 2009. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
- ^ a b c "LMCU Ballpark History". West Michigan Whitecaps. Retrieved October 16, 2006.
- ^ "By the Numbers". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
- ^ Bond, Gary (July 16, 2009). "'Man v. Food' Host Adam Richman Takes on Fifth Third Burger and Wins -- in 27 Minutes". The Grand Rapids Press. Retrieved August 11, 2009.
- ^ "Travel Channel's Man v. Food's Host Adam Richman to Take on Famous Fifth Third Burger" (Press release). West Michigan Whitecaps. June 25, 2009. Retrieved August 12, 2009.
- ^ "Laker Football to Play at Fifth Third Ballpark in 2007". Grand Valley State Athletics. March 14, 2007. Archived from the original on December 8, 2007. Retrieved May 31, 2007.
- ^ Wallner, Peter J. (January 4, 2014). "Fifth Third Ballpark Fire Damage: 'There Will Be Better Days, Just Not Today'". The Grand Rapids Press. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
- ^ "After offseason fire, Fifth Third Ballpark shines at Midwest League ASG". Ballpark Digest. June 20, 2014. Retrieved December 23, 2014.
- ^ Serba, John (December 19, 2013). "Whammy! 'Anchorman 2' features unexpected footage of West Michigan Whitecaps". MLive. Retrieved March 7, 2021.